Photographing the Legendary DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party

Every Friday night during the summer, one of Fire Island's most anticipated events comes alive inside the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove: producer and promoter Daniel Nardicio's DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party. For 25 years, this iconic celebration has brought together hundreds of people from around the world for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and unapologetic self-expression.

As a Fire Island nightlife photographer, I've had the privilege of documenting the Underwear Party for more than two decades.   The go-go at the underwear party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyDWorld Underwear Party. Cherry Grove, Fire Island. Summer 2014
What keeps me returning isn't simply the spectacle—it's the sense of community. The party welcomes people of every age, body type, and background, creating an atmosphere where confidence, freedom, and individuality are celebrated.

The event began at the now-defunct Tides before moving to its longtime home at the Ice Palace, where it quickly became one of Fire Island's signature summer traditions. In 2022, its cultural significance reached an even wider audience when scenes inspired by the Underwear Party appeared in the Hulu film Fire Island.

Lady Gaga performs at the DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party | koitz photographyLady Gaga performing at the DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party, photographed by koitz, capturing a memorable moment in Fire Island LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture.

One unforgettable moment came in 2008 when Lady Gaga, still early in her career, performed at DWorld before becoming an international superstar. Opening the evening were the Dazzle Dancers, whose energetic performances—and memorable finale—captured the bold spirit that has long defined Fire Island nightlife.

Photographing an event like the DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party requires more than technical skill. A great LGBTQ+ event photographer understands the importance of trust, respect, and authenticity. The best photographs come from being part of the community, allowing genuine moments to unfold naturally rather than directing or interrupting them. 

Over the years, my photographs have documented countless performers, DJs, drag artists, dancers, and guests who have helped make DWorld one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ nightlife events in New York. Every image contributes to a growing visual archive of Fire Island's culture and history.

The underwear party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyThe Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, Fire Island, photographed by koitz, capturing the island’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and community.

For me, the DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party is more than a weekly event. It represents decades of friendship, celebration, creativity, and visibility. Through documentary photography, these moments become part of a lasting record that preserves the unique spirit of Cherry Grove and Fire Island for future generations.

Whether you're searching for Fire Island nightlife photography, LGBTQ+ event photography, or the history of the DWorld Underwear Party, I hope these photographs offer a glimpse into one of the most vibrant traditions in New York's queer community.

The pool at The Ice Palace at night | koitz photographyThe pool at the Ice Palace at night captures the distinctive atmosphere of one of Fire Island’s best-known nightlife destinations. Located in Cherry Grove, the Ice Palace has long been an important gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community, combining entertainment, nightlife, and a memorable outdoor setting.At night, the pool takes on a different character as lights and surrounding darkness create an atmospheric scene. The photograph by koitz Photography highlights the architectural and visual qualities of the space while evoking the energy of summer evenings in Cherry Grove. The pool is more than a recreational feature—it forms part of the social landscape surrounding one of the island’s most recognizable venues.koitz Photography’s image preserves a quiet but evocative view of the Ice Palace after dark, offering a contrast to the crowded parties and performances associated with the venue. It is a photograph of place and atmosphere, documenting an iconic Fire Island setting and the distinctive nighttime character of Cherry Grove.

Daniel Nardicio's Vision

Producer and promoter Daniel Nardicio has played an important role in shaping LGBTQ+ nightlife in both New York City and Fire Island. His events have consistently combined outstanding entertainment with an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

Daniel Nardicio, producer and promoter New York Fire Island | koitz photographerPortrait of Daniel Nardicio, New York and Fire Island producer and promoter, photographed by koitz, documenting LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture.

Under his direction, the Underwear Party has hosted internationally recognized DJs --including the legendary Johnny Dynell--, drag performers, dancers, musicians, and surprise guests. Every summer brings new performances while preserving the traditions that longtime attendees return to experience year after year. 

One of the party's most memorable nights came in 2008, when Daniel booked a then little-known Lady Gaga to perform at the Ice Palace. Only weeks later, she became one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Opening the evening were the Dazzle Dancers, whose high-energy performances famously concluded with the dancers ending the show completely nude—a perfect reflection of Fire Island's uninhibited and playful spirit.

Gun at the underwear party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyA striking photograph at the Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, captured by koitz Photography.

Hollywood Comes to Fire Island

The influence of the Underwear Party extends beyond Fire Island itself. In 2022, the Hulu film Fire Island recreated the atmosphere of the event, introducing its unique energy to audiences around the world.

Although the film tells a fictional story, its nightclub scenes capture the excitement, humor, friendships, and sense of belonging that have made Fire Island an enduring symbol of LGBTQ+ culture.

Go go boy at the underwear party on Fire Island | koitz photographyGo-go boy at an underwear party on Fire Island, photographed by koitz, capturing LGBTQ+ nightlife, performance, and the island’s party culture.

Photographing the Underwear Party

I've photographed the DWorld Underwear Party for many years, documenting its evolution through thousands of images. Every summer, the Underwear Party tells a different story. New faces arrive, old friends reunite, performers take the stage, and unforgettable moments unfold naturally throughout the night, not to mention the ever-changing fashion that defines each year.

Photographing an event like this requires much more than technical ability. Trust is essential. People are celebrating, expressing themselves, and often revealing a side of themselves they may not show anywhere else. My goal has always been to photograph these moments honestly, respectfully, and without interrupting the experience. Sometimes, choosing what not to photograph is just as important as deciding what to photograph.

Rather than directing people or creating staged scenes, I work as a documentary photographer, allowing the night to unfold naturally. The result is a collection of authentic photographs that preserve the atmosphere, emotion, and personality of one of Fire Island's most beloved traditions.

Having fun at the DWOrld Fire Island Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyHaving fun at the DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, photographed by koitz, capturing LGBTQ+ nightlife and community.

More Than a Party

For many visitors, the Underwear Party is their first experience of Fire Island nightlife. For others, it is a weekly ritual that marks the rhythm of every summer season.

Friendships begin here. Relationships are formed. Visitors from across the United States and around the world return year after year, creating a community that extends well beyond a single evening.

These photographs are about far more than dancing in underwear. They document a culture built on acceptance, celebration, creativity, and resilience. They preserve the history of a community that continues to inspire new generations while honoring those who came before.

DWorld Fire island Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyThe DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove captures the playful, uninhibited energy of Fire Island nightlife. Held at the legendary Ice Palace, a longtime center of entertainment and LGBTQ+ social life in Cherry Grove, the event brings together partygoers for an evening of music, dancing, socializing, and self-expression.koitz Photography documents the atmosphere of the party through candid photographs that focus on the people and personalities at the heart of Fire Island’s nightlife. The Underwear Party reflects the relaxed and celebratory character of Cherry Grove, where elaborate costumes, minimal attire, dancing, and spontaneous encounters are all part of the summer experience.The Ice Palace has played an important role in the cultural and nightlife history of Cherry Grove, making photographs from events such as the DWorld Underwear Party valuable records of the community and its traditions. Through koitz Photography’s intimate documentation, the photograph preserves the energy of a memorable Fire Island night and the distinctive atmosphere of one of Cherry Grove’s best-known gathering places.

Preserving LGBTQ+ History Through Photography

Nightlife has always been an important part of LGBTQ+ history. Clubs, bars, and community events have served as places where people could meet openly, express themselves freely, and build lasting friendships.

As Fire Island continues to evolve, documentary photography becomes increasingly valuable. Every photograph captures a moment that can never be recreated—a performer taking the stage, friends laughing together, the excitement of the dance floor, or the quiet moments that happen between songs.

Go-gos at the underwear party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photographyGo-gos at the underwear party at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove | koitz photography

These images have become part of a growing visual archive documenting Fire Island, Cherry Grove, and New York's LGBTQ+ community. They preserve not only legendary events like the DWorld Underwear Party, but also the people whose lives and stories have made these places so meaningful.

For me, photographing DWorld FIUP has never simply been about nightlife. It has been about documenting history as it happens, one photograph at a time.